An Allentown bicycle cop who was hit by a fleeing drug dealer's car at last year's "The Miracle that is Allentown" gala told a Lehigh County judge Tuesday that he felt lucky he was not more seriously injured.

The worst part about the ordeal, officer Scott Magill said, was seeing the look on his wife's face when she rushed into a hospital emergency room to see him after the incident.

"I've never seen her look like that," Magill said, his voice cracking with emotion.

Magill was in court with other officers to witness the sentencing of the driver, David A. Estes. Judge James T. Anthony sentenced the 37-year-old Allentown man to 62/3 to 131/3 years in a state prison for crimes including aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and weapons offenses.

"He is extremely lucky that he's not here facing a homicide charge," said Chief Deputy District Attorney Bethany Zampogna.

Magill was one of numerous officers patrolling the April 25 event outside Miller Symphony Hall on Linden Street. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Society, the outdoor luncheon recognizing new economic development in the city drew more than 500 guests, including then-Gov. Tom Corbett.

FILE PHOTO, THE MORNING CALL

David Estes has been sentenced to 80 to 160 months in a state prison for leading Allentown police on a pursuit through the city and running over a city bike officer. Two other officers were also injured in the chase.

David Estes has been sentenced to 80 to 160 months in a state prison for leading Allentown police on a pursuit through the city and running over a city bike officer. Two other officers were also injured in the chase. (FILE PHOTO, THE MORNING CALL)

Police began chasing Estes at Seventh and Allen streets, after he fled from officers during a drug investigation.

The chase moved into Whitehall and then back into the city, reaching speeds of up to 65 mph on residential streets. Police said they saw Estes drive through 10 stop signs and four red lights in Allentown and Whitehall.

Cornered by traffic on North Sixth Street, Estes tried to get away by reversing his car on Linden Street.

Allentown police Sgt. Edward Zucal told the judge that he saw Estes' reverse lights go on and jumped out of the way just in time. He watched in horror as Magill was flung off the bike and into the air, landing hard on the pavement below.

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"It was quite terrifying," Zucal said. "If it had gotten to the point where shots were fired, who knows what would have happened?"

Estes' car struck two police cruisers before he was captured. Another officer was injured when his car was hit.

Estes' attorney, Philip Lauer, told the judge that his client was more remorseful than his curt apology implied.

"I think it was, in fact, a snap decision. A stupid decision. He genuinely feels bad about it," Lauer said.

Magill, a father of four, said he remained conscious after Estes' car hit him.

"I remember flying through the air and seeing clouds spinning. I remember laying in the street. I couldn't move my leg. My whole right side was numb."

Magill suffered a knee laceration that required eight stiches, plus numerous strains and sprains in the crash, he told the judge. He was out of work for three months.

Estes pleaded guilty in November. As part of a plea bargain, prosecutors withdrew a more serious charge of attempted homicide.

Estes must pay at least $2,500 restitution, the cost of Magill's mangled bike and reimbursement to the city for worker compensation costs. Zampogna said that amount will rise as calculations are completed.

Anthony consulted both police officers before handing down the sentence. Zucal said Estes deserved a long prison term because he put so many people in danger.

"When we go to work as police officers, our whole hope is that we go back home. He had the opportunity to stop, even before he reached us," Zucal said.